Ruby

Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum — the same mineral that produces sapphire. Only red corundum qualifies as ruby; all other colours are classified as sapphire. The red colour is caused by trace amounts of chromium, which also gives fine rubies their characteristic fluorescence — a subtle glow that makes the stone appear to radiate light from within. Ruby rates 9 on the Mohs scale, sharing sapphire's exceptional hardness and making it ideal for any type of jewellery.

Pigeon blood ruby is the most sought-after variety — a vivid red with a hint of blue and strong fluorescence. Star ruby exhibits asterism, displaying a six-rayed star when cut as a cabochon. Mozambique ruby has gained significant market share, offering vivid reds with slight purplish tones. Thai ruby tends toward a darker, deeper red. Burmese ruby remains the benchmark for quality and commands the highest prices.

Rubies have been treasured for thousands of years across cultures. Ancient Hindus called ruby "ratnaraj," meaning king of precious stones, and believed offering a fine ruby to the god Krishna would guarantee rebirth as an emperor. Burmese warriors inserted rubies into their skin, believing they would make them invincible in battle. In medieval Europe, rubies were thought to darken as a warning of impending danger. The Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown, long believed to be a ruby, is actually a large red spinel.

Ruby symbolises passion, protection, prosperity, and vitality. It is associated with the heart, life force energy, and courage. Throughout history, rubies have been believed to promote leadership, confidence, and romantic love. As a gift, ruby represents deep, passionate devotion. It is the traditional gemstone for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Lab-grown rubies are chemically and physically identical to mined rubies, created using flame fusion, flux growth, or hydrothermal methods. They offer the same vivid red colour, 9 Mohs hardness, and fluorescence at a dramatically lower price than natural rubies of comparable quality. Lab-grown rubies are an excellent choice for engagement rings, allowing buyers to achieve the intense pigeon blood colour that would cost tens of thousands in a natural stone.

Ruby's exceptional hardness makes it one of the easiest gemstones to care for. Clean with warm soapy water, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners. Rubies with significant fracture filling should be treated more gently. Store separately from softer gemstones. Ruby is an excellent choice for engagement rings and daily-wear jewellery due to its outstanding durability.

Ruby makes a bold, passionate engagement ring centre stone for those who want something unique. A classic ruby and diamond combination in yellow gold is timelessly luxurious. Ruby stud earrings add a vibrant pop of colour. Ruby eternity bands make powerful anniversary gifts. Lab-grown rubies provide access to vivid, larger stones at accessible prices — a 2-carat lab-grown ruby delivers drama that would be prohibitively expensive in a natural stone.